How to visit the Balos Lagoon on Crete

Beaches › How to visit the Balos Lagoon on Crete

Balos Beach is a stunningly beautiful bay in the northwest of the popular Mediterranean island of Crete. With its unparalleled beauty, Balos has rightfully earned its place as one of the most photographed and most beautiful beaches in Crete. The white sandy beach and the bright blue, crystal-clear water are almost reminiscent of the Caribbean rather than a Greek island.

Í visited Balos Lagoon, one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, early in the season this year and will tell you what you absolutely need to know before your visit.

Getting to Balos Beach – Overview

Along with Elafonissi Beach and the Samaria Gorge, Balos Lagoon is one of the most popular attractions in Crete. The bay is located on the west coast of the uninhabited Gramvousa Peninsula in the northwest of the island and belongs to the municipality of Kissamos. The uninhabited island of Tigani, which is connected to Balos Bay by a narrow isthmus, creates an almost dreamlike landscape of beaches and dunes.

Highlights

• Swim and snorkel at one of Crete’s best beaches
• Hike down to Balos Lagoon, soaking in the panoramic views of Gramvousa
• Experience the warm, shallow waters of Balos Beach
• Marvel at soft pink and white sand

• To visit Balos Lagoon in Crete, you can either take a scenic ferry from the port of Kissamos or drive/hike via a rugged dirt road. The easiest and most popular method is taking a relaxing boat cruise, which often includes a stop at the historic Gramvousa Island.
• To reach Balos Beach, you’ll need to walk downhill for about 20 minutes from the parking lot. The path is well-maintained with a few steps at the end. Sturdy footwear is definitely recommended here.
• On the way down to the beach, there are several viewpoints overlooking the lagoon where you can take great photos.
• Bring your own food and drinks. In terms of amenities, don’t expect beach bars or restaurants. There are a few small snack stands during peak season, but options are very limited.

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How to Get to Balos Beach

The Balos lagoon is quite remote in the northwest of the island, but getting there is definitely doable. There are two ways to get there: either by car or by boat.

Getting There by Boat

Traveling by boat is a popular and relaxing option. There are various boat tours that depart from Chania or Kissamos and take you directly to Balos Lagoon. Tours often include stops at other picturesque beaches or bays, so you can see more of the surrounding area.

My recommendation: Book a boat tour from Kissamos

The scenic ferry ride takes about 1 hour each way. You can catch a local bus from Chania to Kissamos (about an hour) or use your rental car. The ferry first stops at Gramvousa Island with a little time to explore before heading to Balos. The ferry offers the expected large ferry onboard amenities, so it’s a much more comfortable journey than the drive. Tickets can be purchased online or at the port but I recommend booking online in advance during the peak season summer months.

• Book your online ferry ticket from Kissamos
• Book your guided tour from Chania
• Book a guided tour from Rethymno

Getting there by car

If you’re exploring the island of Crete with your rental car, traveling by car is an option. From larger cities like Chania or Kissamos, well-marked roads lead to the entrance of the lagoon. The route winds through serpentine roads, and the view of the Cretan Sea is impressive even during the drive.

However, you should note that the 10 km “road” to Balos Beach isn’t really a road, but a truly rough gravel path, on which you can drive no faster than 20 km/h. A 4×4 vehicle is an advantage here, but not a must.

I had a look at the road at the entrance to the protected national park area and did decide against driving my rental car over it. Instead, I booked an offroad minivan day tour to Balos that saved me all the hassle and made the trip super smooth.

Parking at Balos Beach

There is a parking lot at the entrance to the lagoon where you can park your car. The parking lot charges a fee and during high season, it may already be full early in the morning. Therefore, I recommend leaving early to secure a parking spot, as there are no other parking options nearby. Parking at Balos Beach costs €3 per day.

Once you arrive at the parking lot, you’ll need to walk down to the beach for about 20 minutes. Along the way, there are several spots where you can enjoy a great view of the bay and the sparkling blue water.

What to expect at Balos Beach?

Hiking down to the lagoon gives you some impressive views of the bay and surrounding area in all its vastness. The steep descent down to the lagoon and the slightly sharp sand on the beach make sturdy footwear essential. Make sure to bring shoes suitable for hiking.

You can walk all the way around the lagoon in about 30 minutes. Once you reach the eastern end, you come to a raised reef that leads you around the lagoon to Tigani Island.

In front of the impressive lagoon lies the small islet of Tigani, which is connected to the Gramvousa Peninsula by a shallow sandbank that you can use to cross over. The lagoon in general is rather shallow and you will often find the water to be almost motionless.

Balos Facilities:

• Renting Beach Chairs: Pair with umbrella starting at €15
• Restrooms: A small hut is open from June (€1), showers, changing rooms
• Restaurants: One canteen/snack bar on the beach and one at the parking lot

Tip: After a long day at the beach, head to Gramboussa Restaurant for traditional Cretan cuisine on your way back. The Restaurant in Kaliviani, located in the southern part of the peninsula and serves beautifully presented, delicious dishes in a super cozy atmosphere.

Guided Tours to Balos

The most popular way to reach Balos Beach is by boat on a guided tour. From Kissamos Harbor, there are numerous boat tours and ferries available to take you to the dreamy bay.

Those who prefer a quieter experience and don’t want to travel with the crowds can even rent a motorboat to Balos at the port of Kissamos. A boat license is not required. After a brief orientation, you can explore the Balos lagoon on your own when wind conditions allow.

Where to stay near Balos Beach?

The nearest accommodations at Balos are located in the village of Kaliviani about 8 km from the lagoon. You can find more hotels in Falassarna and Kissamos. Here are a few recommendations for hotels near Balos:

Kaliviani Traditional Hotel (the closest option)

A small, secluded hotel, professionally run by the owner and perfect in every way. Excellent breakfast, wonderful view of the bay.

Pachia Ammos Falasarna

Simple and spacious rooms with sea view in Falasarna. Beautiful pool area, very friendly staff.

Nautilus Bay Hotel Kissamos

Great location with private beach access, beautiful pool, breakfast with plenty of variety.

FAQ

Which beach is more beautiful, Balos or Elafonisi?

Balos is my personal favorite for the title of ‘Most Beautiful Beach in Crete’. The distance between Balos and Elafonisi Beach is 58 km. Elafonisi Beach is located in the far southwest of Crete. It also belongs to the municipality of Kissamos (Chania Regional District). If you take the New Road from Kolimvari to Kissamos, turn inland at Kaloudiana.

Can I get to Balos beach by car?

It is possible to get to Balos beach by car, the road however can be quite difficult, especially if you’re not used to rough, steep paths. That’s why the most popular way to get to Balos is by boat.